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“The God of Israel says:  There are devoted things among you, Israel. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove them.”  Joshua 7:13b

Discarding things is not usually our fave bend.  We hold on because we might need it.  We resist discarding because someone else may need it. We hold on tight to things that bring us comfort and security.  We desire (covet) what others have and strive to get it. Yet the release of some things can be exactly what God requires.

The Children of Israel landed here when they went up against the people of Ai (Amorites) who chased the Israelites and struck them down.  The hearts of the people melted in fear, and Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown before the ark of the covenant.  Questions flowed from their lips:  “Why did God bring them across the Jordan only to be destroyed?”

The real problem wasn’t God allowing them to be defeated, rather sin was in the camp.  One of the Israelites  (Achan) coveted and held onto “devoted things” (plunder) from one of their defeated enemies. He saw, desired and took a beautiful robe from Babylonia, 200 shekels of silver and a wedge of gold. What was commanded to be destroyed (the forbidden plunder), Achan took and hid in the ground inside his tent.  Achan’s desiring and coveting was in direct disobedience to God’s command (Exodus 20:17).  He was trusting, clinging and holding on to what didn’t serve him or his fellow Israelites well.

Wonder what things we cling to that don’t serve us well?  Are we afraid to release them because our dependence, comfort and security are wrapped up in them rather than God?  Are we refusing to admit that some things have elevated their status above our worship of God? What might our idols resemble:  work, ministry, food, exercise, unforgiveness, jealousy – basically anything that consumes our focus?  And what about those things we see, desire and covet which God has clearly forbidden?

While we aren’t facing a literal army against us – we do face spiritual battles on a daily basis.  And if we find ourselves not winning those battles then we need to consider whether we are trusting and holding on to something else other than God.   Relying on self versus trusting God elevates self above our Creator.  Sometimes, we turn to visible tangible people rather than seeking God first.  And yes, we too land in the pit of attempting to hide our sin; however, the holiness of our God can’t dismiss sin in the hearts of His people. Achan’s coveting ultimately destroyed himself and his family. Unconfessed sin in our lives will do the same.

Our God is a jealous God, the right kind of jealousy that desires what is best for His daughters. Just as God desired for the Israelites to win, He wants us to be victorious.  The critical key – get rid of anything that rises above our love, obedience and devotion to God. Release what our eyes see and desire so we can walk in obedience and align our devotion to Him alone.

“Father, there are so many things we cling to other than you.  Help us to consider what things we need to release, confess and avoid so we can be prepared for battle and be victorious against our enemy.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life